There is no question the GFC had a significant impact on staff morale for business in Australia. Recent employee surveys point to a significant disengagement with their employer and their conduct during the GFC event. As businesses move beyond the GFC, this disengagement is proving a significant ‘drag factor’ to business renewal and growth in the face of increasing demand.

The emotional cost

We hear much in the media about the emotional volatility of markets and how perception can crush business equity.  Just as volatile are the human assets within an organisation which depreciate at an alarming rate through lack of investment.

The direct cost is employee performance. Many employees are either burnt out or demotivated due to their increased workloads. The inability or unwillingness of employers to increase staffing numbers is at crisis point in many industry sectors, especially amongst middle management sales professionals.

The indirect cost should be far more concerning to businesses who wish to rise from the ashes of the GFC. Employees, particularly Sales staff, are the life blood of any organisation and through whom, businesses are perceived by customers and the market generally. Businesses must engage with their staff and customers to promote a positive image of their organisation’s Vision for the future.

For many employees, the GFC was the most significant event in their employment history. The personal consequences (increasing mortgage payments and credit card debt) can be a dominant behavioural driver in the absence of any positive messages from their employer. Failure to invest in the emotional assets of your organisation will result in an increasing dysfunctional and de-motivated workforce with spiraling productivity.

Vision is the Key

Creating a powerful and positive image of your organisation is the key to breaking this cycle. Providing clarity for the future to your staff can be the turning point for many businesses and their employee approval.

‘Empowered employees, who are positively engaged with your business, are powerful ambassadors, and one of your most valuable assets.’

These individuals will create the ‘buzz’ or positive focus which drives performance, productivity and results.

Call and they will come

There is no question the labour market is tight. Shortages in experienced Sales, Management, and Engineering personnel are an alarming reality for many HR professionals. As demand increases, applicants are becoming increasingly focused on the prospective employer’s investment strategies for their human assets (eg. training and personal development).

Using the ‘buzz’ to promote your organisation to applicants is a powerful and proven strategy. Indeed, I have worked with some individuals over the past 20 years who have followed me to three different organisations. My fellow Director, Dan Sheehan was an apprentice with me in 1998 and subsequently worked with me in three different businesses before launching Jigsaw Concepts in 2005 and securing my services in 2010.

Your staff are the best recruiters. They will get the right person, with the right expertise, and generally at the right price. Encourage this behaviour in your oragnisation and reward staff who support your recruitment efforts. If they know you’re trying, and want to help, they will, with incredible success.

If you’re not getting the most from your teams, contact Jigsaw Concepts to get the ‘buzz’ back in your business.